Alabama
Kentucky
Alabama Gymnastics Earns Season-Best Vault and Uneven Bars Scores on the Way to 196.925-196.375 Win over Kentucky
2/16/2018 10:14:00 PM | Gymnastics
Sophomore Shea Mahoney led all scorers with a career-best 9.975 on the uneven bars
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The No. 7-ranked Alabama gymnastics team beat No. 9 Kentucky, 196.925-196.375, in Coleman Coliseum Friday night during the Crimson Tide's Alumni Night.
"A lot of people are going to be happy that we got the win," UA head coach Dana Duckworth said. "Of course we are delighted because a 'W' is always nice, but we know we can do better. We know that we left some stuff on the table and that is the frustrating part, but it also sets your stage for the week on how to get better and what to focus on. We will go back to the drawing table and work harder."
The University of Alabama welcomed back more than 80 gymnastics alumni this weekend, including the Tide's 1988 gymnastics team, which celebrated its 30th anniversary of winning the program's first Southeastern Conference and NCAA Gymnastics Championships.
"These ladies have the alumni talk to them today and even yesterday," Duckworth said. "I feel like we have this sisterhood and this connection. We can truly say that we are a family."
Senior Nickie Guerrero and freshman Lexi Graber shared first place on the vault with scores of 9.900, starting the night off strong by pacing the Tide to a season-high 49.300.
Alabama caught fire on its second rotation, posting a season-best 49.550 on the uneven bars, sixth-best in school history. Sophomore Shea Mahoney came up in the third spot and brought the crowd of 10,336 fans roaring to its feet. She used a high-flying, twisting-turning, stuck dismount to win the event. She received a 10 from one judge and a 9.95 from the other for a career-best 9.975. The Tide's score was bolstered by a season-best 9.925 from senior Mackenzie Brannan and a pair of 9.9s from senior Kiana Winston and freshman Kylie Dickson.
"That bars rotation was lit, on fire," Duckworth said. "That was a beautiful bar performance. Stick after stick, handstand after hand stand, it was just very strong."
After its strong start, the Tide stumbled on the balance beam, posting a 48.850. Winston and Guerrero finished the rotation strong by scoring a 9.875 and 9.900, respectively.
Alabama concluded the night with a 49.225 on the floor exercise, led by a 9.900 from Guerrero for the individual floor title, and 9.875s from junior Abby Armbrecht and sophomore Maddie Desch.
Alabama returns to action Friday, Feb. 23 in Auburn, Ala., against SEC rival Auburn Tigers. The matchup will be broadcasted live on SEC Network at 7:30 p.m. CT.
For all the latest information on Alabama gymnastics, follow BamaGymnastics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and head coach Dana Duckworth on Twitter and Instagram at @UACoachDana.
Players Mentioned
